TORTOUR poses a major challenge for people, bikes and clothing. Aerodynamics play an important role in this and can end up saving or costing a few minutes, if not hours. Together with our partner DT Swiss, we want to clarify a few important questions about aerodynamics, so that you too can get back to us in Sihlcity as soon as possible. That’s why we ask DT Swiss our first question. How can our participants gain an aerodynamic advantage during the TORTOUR?

75% of aerodynamics are influenced by the rider, 25% ist the bicycle and its components. Therefore, it is important to achieve the most aerodynamic position possible and to select clothing/helmet accordingly. However, comfort must not be forgotten, because aerodynamics are of little use if you cannot keep the position on the bike permanently. For classic road cyclists, an aero-clip-on attachment for a lying position would already be a meaningful and noticeable aerodynamic improvement. However, a clip-on requires getting used to in training and should be assembled and driven early in the preparation. Assuming that the position on the wheel is “set”, 25% remain with the bike and again about 8% points on the wheels, with which the rider can influence the aerodynamics. The correct choice of the impeller therefore has a relevant influence on performance. Starting from the air resistance, this increases exponentially from as little as 15 km/h. Even with moderate ascents, teams often ride faster than 15 km/h. And at the latest at the time of departure, the driver and the material should be prepared for high speeds. While professional racers have a broad portfolio of wheels ready for the various track requirements, the ambitious Tortourists are looking for an “egg-laying wool milk sow”. Weight or aerodynamics? Aerodynamics and so the ideal all-round version of a carbon impeller would have a rim height of approx. 60 mm; as well as our ARC 1100 DICUT 62. Fast in the plane with good control even with stronger winds, yet easy enough to climb a longer pass successfully and quickly.”

Keyword: wheelset.

Wheels are known to be the best investment in a faster time on a time trial. The TORTOUR prohibits windshadow riding (other than in your own team) and therefore the TORTOUR can be regarded as a kind of ultra time trial. So which wheels would be best suited for which use?

“Basically, the higher the rim, the better the aerodynamics of the impeller.

Carbon wheels with rim heights of approx. 50 mm are nimble speedsters and can be moved safely during change of direction, ascents and descents. For example, the ARC 1100 DICUT 48 are also extremely aerodynamic in frontal wind conditions (or only very light crosswinds). In the case of strong crosswinds, the rider always retains full control, but does not benefit as much from the so-called sailing effect, which the aero wheels from DT Swiss make excellent use of. This sail effect can convert crosswind into a propulsion. With the DT Swiss impellers with rim heights from 62 to 80 mm, this drive is generated by 12-18° in crosswinds, i.e. the cyclist is even driven by the impellers and saves power. Sounds incredible, but is proven in the development and elaborate wind tunnel test. You can find out more on our Website »

Aero hacks for a faster time at TORTOUR

Are there any other aero hacks that DT Swiss reveals to our participants?

“Of course, there are some. I’ll list the most important tips:

Clothing should be tight and sufficiently tested in advance. An unfamiliar tight “fit” can become uncomfortable in the “race”.

Test the aero clip on or aero position extensively in training. This also applies to a permanent ride in the lower steering position, which can become unpleasant over a long period of time.

Test the bike’s aero setup in training on different tracks and profiles as well as wind conditions. This allows you to better adjust to the riding characteristics in different situations and react accordingly.

Aero beats weight: As the drag increases exponentially from 15 km/h, a slightly heavier aero setup for bikes and components/wheels will have a positive impact on performance.

Equip the front wheel with narrower tyres (in coordination with the rim width) – there the attack surface of the wind can be influenced. Put on comfort with a wider tire at the back. Additional effect: with modern tubeless tyres with a width of 25+ mm, the rolling resistance also decreases and influences the overall performance of the bike and the wheels.

Smile and enjoy the ride – even in an aero-position: it’s not a World Cup, but a fantastic, rare opportunity in uncertain times to play a great competitive sport.”

Prevent a plate with tubeless

In addition to an optimal aero setup, other details should also be considered. Punctures are a big annoyance for solo athletes without an accompanying vehicle or sprint participants. How can the risk be minimized?

“All DT Swiss wheels have been tubeless ready since 2016, i.e. with corresponding tires to ride without a hose. It turns out that small defects in the tire can be “automatically” corrected by the use of tubeless tyres and the appropriate sealing milk (is mandatory for tubeless tyres for safety). Small holes are thus “sealed” by the sealing milk, there is no or only very low air loss in the tire and the driver can continue the race unhindered. The other advantages of Tubeless tyres are better comfort and lower rolling resistance (due to the easier deformation of the tyre carcass when driving over small ground unevennesses.

For other wheel manufacturers: Check whether the impeller can be “sealed” with a corresponding tubeless tape and converted to tubeless.

It is recommended to test a tubeless set-up extensively in advance. Get advice on the sealing milk and the tire to match your rims. It is unpleasant to make changes immediately before take-off.

Our website also provides further useful information »

About DT Swiss

DT Swiss is a leading global manufacturer of high-performance components for the sporty bicycles segment. In addition to its headquarters in Biel, manufacturing and sales locations have been established in Germany, Poland, France, the USA and Taiwan.